Getaway Grapes

Wineries are delicious travel destinations. But if you can’t make the actual trip, uncork a passport for your palate with standout bottles from wish-list locations

Magnotta Vidal Icewine 2007 (Ontario, Canada), $23: See the great Niagara Falls and then take a short trip over to Magnotta to sample icewines that rival those of Germany. The country’s most award-winning winery—the third largest in Ontario—is the only Canadian company licensed to produce and sell wine, beer, and distilled beverages. Its vidal icewine is rich with flavors of honey and apricot.

Boutari Moschofilero 2008 (Peloponnese, Greece), $15: Mantinia, home to some of the world’s oldest vines, is in Peloponnese, Greece. Here you’ll find Boutari—one of Europe’s oldest organized wineries; it’s credited with saving the moschofilero grape from extinction. The fruits of this labor are evident in this versatile wine that boasts floral and citrus flavors with a long finish.

Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato 2009 (Victoria, Australia), $11: The Innocent Bystander winery is a fantastic culinary and wine destination, as the company roasts its own coffees and has a bakery and pizzeria on site, plus a bistro that serves house-matured cheeses. Yet the wines are the real specialties, and the pink moscato is fun and fizzy, with hints of Turkish Delight and lemon sherbet.

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2004 (Montalcino, Italy), $60: The Banfi estate in Tuscany is an alluring destination, offering a Michelin star-rated restaurant, a chapel, orchards, and luxe accommodations in a castle. Tasting rooms offer samples of olive oils and balsamic vinegars in addition to award-winning wines such as this one with spicy cherry notes and a deep ruby color.

Broadbent Vinho Verde NV (Vinho Verde, Portugal), $10: Start your visit to Portugal by touring one of the many famous port houses in the capital of Porto. Then, head north to the Vinho Verde wine region, where you can enjoy tapas and views of the mountains and coast while sipping a Vinho Verde like this Broadbent, characterized by effervescent fizz and bright citrus flavors.